Geneva: 2008 Volvo XC70

The press days for the 2007 Geneva Motor Show don't start until tomorrow technically, but Volvo doesn't care. This afternoon it released all the info and images it has on the new 2008 XC70 soft-roader. Hot on the heels of its on-road only brethren, the V70, this new XC70 features an updated appearance that's pleasing to the eye, yet retains the rugged matte black lower cladding, subtle fender flares and increased ride height of its predecessor. The rugged wagon will come with either the automaker's new 3.2L inline six-cylinder gas engine developing 238 hp and 236 ft-lbs. of torque or a five-cylinder diesel making 185 hp and 295 ft-lbs. of torque.

Being a Volvo, the new XC70 has an incredible number of safety features including a world's first new child safety seat with a height adjustable cushion, a Collision Warning with Brake Support system, Adaptive Cruise Control, a Blind Spot Information System, Intelligent Driver Information System, swivelling Bi-Xenon headlights, and much, more more. We're particularly interested in the optional Four-C active chassis that can vary car's dampers based on its speed and surrounding conditions. The driver can also choose Comfort, Sport or Advanced modes to manually modulate the damping. We're curious to know, however, whether the system is infinitely variable like the electromagnetic suspension on the Corvette and other high-end sports cars. Of course, all XC70s have all-wheel drive standard with Dynamic Stability and Traction Control.

It appears that the 2008 Volvo XC70 will definitely have the content to impress most consumers interested in a useful hauler that handles better than an SUV, and as with all new Volvos, the styling keeps improving with each new generation.

[Source: Autoblog via Volvo]

Follow the jump for the official press release and high-res pictures.



PRESS RELEASE:

All-new XC70 generation with sportier attitude and greater capability

*Improved child safety with a world innovation
*Advanced drive systems contribute to increased safety margins
*Six-cylinder engine for the first time in the Volvo XC70
*All Wheel Drive and advanced drive systems
*First-class comfort and versatile function
*World class audio system

The all-new Volvo XC70 is the third generation of Volvo's capable cross-country model.

Just like the all-new V70 model, it offers everything that implies of luxury and a spacious interior, sporty driving properties and high comfort. In addition, the all-nefw Volvo XC70 has a number of smart solutions for increased flexibility and practical function.

Safety is naturally at the highest level and the car also includes Volvo's world breakthrough: integrated child booster cushions with a choice of two seating heights.

"The all-new Volvo XC70 has been developed for people who want to live out their dreams," says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Brand, Business and Product Strategy at Volvo Cars. "It has the right attitude, capacity and equipment for enjoyable trips to and from your adventures. And just like the all-new V70 model, it clearly marks Volvo's increasingly strong position in the premium segment. It is therefore logical that the all-new Volvo XC70 should inherit much of the same character and properties. We recognize the design, the comfort and the high safety level. The fact that the all-new Volvo XC70 is now even more versatile and capable than its predecessor is a direct response to our customers' expressed wishes and needs."

1. Improved child safety with a world innovation

*Improved child safety with extended IC (Inflatable Curtain) and integrated booster cushions - a world breakthrough
*New, stronger side structure
*Crumple zones made from different grades of steel
*Lower cross-member contributes to enhanced compatibility
*Compact transverse engines contribute to collision safety
*Second-generation WHIPS system
*Protection for other road users
*Other protective safety solutions

"When we developed the all-new Volvo XC70 the goal, as for the all-new Volvo V70, was that it should be the safest car in its segment," says Ingrid Skogsmo, Director Volvo Cars Safety Centre. "The XC70 model shares the same sophisticated network of interacting safety systems as the Volvo S80.The patented body structure absorbs energy in a highly efficient way. And the interior safety system includes the latest generation of side airbags and whiplash protection. What is more, we are introducing a world innovation in the field of child safety."

Improved child safety with extended IC (Inflatable Curtain) and integrated booster cushions - a world breakthrough
To improve safety for children in the rear seat of the all-new XC70 model, Volvo has further developed the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with a stronger body structure, extended inflatable curtains and a height-adjustable integrated child booster cushion - the latter a world innovation.

The booster cushion, which is integrated in the rear seat, can be set at two heights, allowing children of different sizes to sit sufficiently high to see out through the windows yet at the same time get the most effective protection possible. The lower setting is intended for children between 115 and 140 cm in height and weighing between 22 and 36 kg, while the upper setting is designed for children measuring 95-120 cm and weighing between 15 and 25 kg. The all-new Volvo XC70 can be equipped with integrated child booster cushions in both outer rear seats.
The adjustable booster cushion means the seat belt geometry is optimum irrespective of the child's height. The integrated booster cushion is also accompanied by safety belts with specially adjusted force limiters. They contribute to the best possible protective effect by restraining the child with just the right amount of tensioning force in a collision.

The inflatable curtains in the all-new Volvo XC70 have been extended by 60 mm, which in combination with the height-adjustable booster cushions and the strong body side structure provide more children of different sizes with effective protection in a side impact.

Furthermore, the fact that more children are provided with comfortable seating on booster cushions helps create a more harmonious atmosphere in the car and provides better conditions for relaxed driving.

The front passenger airbag can be disabled using a key. What is more, the seat can be specified with attachments for rear-facing fitting of a child seat once the front passenger airbag is disabled.

New, stronger side structure
To optimise side-impact protection in the all-new XC70 model, not only for children but for all occupants, the body's entire side structure is both stronger and lighter thanks to a well-balanced combination of high-tensile steel of different grades (High Strength Steel, Extra High Strength Steel and the extremely strong Ultra High Strength Steel). The various components and grades of steel interact to minimise penetration into the passenger compartment. The aim is instead to get the entire car to move sideways - away from the colliding vehicle.

The new type of side-impact airbag which was launched together with the all-new S80 model makes Volvo's patented SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) into an even more effective safety system. The new side impact airbags have two separate chambers - one for the hip section and one for the chest. Since the hips can withstand greater force than the chest can, the lower chamber inflates with up to five times more pressure than the upper section. The side-impact airbags interact with the inflatable curtains and the body's network of safety beams to provide the most effective protection.

Crumple zones made using different grades of steel
The patented front body structure in the all-new Volvo XC70 is divided into zones, each of which has a different task during the deformation sequence. The outer zones are responsible for most of the deformation. The closer the collision forces get to the passenger compartment, the less the material deforms.

In order to give each zone the right properties, different grades of steel are used in different structures, a total of four different grades. Apart from regular body steel, three different grades of high-tensile steel are used: High Strength Steel, Extra High Strength Steel and Ultra High Strength Steel.

"With the zone system, we can exploit the material's properties to the very maximum for the best possible energy absorption," explains Ingrid Skogsmo. "The aim is that the passenger compartment should be preserved in a predictable way in a variety of collision scenarios."

ZONE FOR DEFORMATION AT LOW SPEEDS
The front bumper is structured around a cross-member made of aluminium. The attachment points at the body's longitudinal beams are designed as collapsible "crash boxes". They help absorb incoming low-speed collision forces without damaging the rest of the body's beam structure.

ZONE FOR DEFORMATION AT HIGH SPEEDS
The straight sections of the longitudinal beams are made of High Strength Steel, a very tough grade of steel that is optimised for high energy absorption. This zone accounts for most of the deformation.

ZONE FOR BACKUP
The beam section that curves out towards the A-posts serves as a barrier protecting the passenger compartment and also as a backup to reduce deformation. Its shape also helps minimise the risk of the front wheel penetrating into the passenger compartment. Instead, the wheel helps absorb the collision forces. This section is very rigid and is made of Extra High Strength Steel.

THREE-POINT ATTACHMENT
A rigid cross-member links the two A-posts and the lower side-members so that they form a particularly sturdy three-point attachment on each side. This design is particularly effective at protecting the passenger compartment in a severe impact.

Lower cross-member contributes to enhanced compatibility
With its high ground clearance, the all-new Volvo XC70 comes with relatively high-positioned bumpers, which may create a greater risk of damage to an oncoming passenger car with lower positioned bumpers. To reduce the risk of injury in a collision, the front suspension subframe in the Volvo XC70 is supplemented with a lower cross-member, positioned at the height of the bumper in a conventional car. This lower beam is integrated into the XC70's structure and is neatly concealed behind the spoiler. In a collision the lower cross-member is aimed to strike the oncoming car's protective structure, activating its crumple zone as intended so the occupants can be given the maximum level of protection.

Compact transverse engines contribute to collision safety
Like its larger stablemate in the XC range, the Volvo XC90, the all-new Volvo XC70 has a transverse driveline and four-wheel drive. Transverse installation gives the engine more space inside the engine compartment and helps reduce the risk of penetration into the passenger compartment in a frontal impact.

Even the six-cylinder engine has been able to be installed transversely in the all-new XC70 model thanks to its extremely compact format and efficient packaging in the engine compartment.

Second-generation WHIPS system
Volvo's system for avoiding neck injuries - WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System) - is one of the most effective on the market. In the event of a rear-end collision the front seat backrest accompanies the passenger's initial body movement and dampens the incoming force rather like one's hand does when catching a ball.

The all-new Volvo XC70 features the same generation of WHIPS mechanism as was launched on the all-new S80 model. This generation was further developed to ensure that the damping motion is gentle and to provide good contact between the head and head restraint throughout the impact sequence.

Protection for other road users
Protection for pedestrians and cyclists has also been further developed in the all-new Volvo XC70. The front has been given energy-absorbing properties, not least with a generously dimensioned soft structure in front of the bumper that helps reduce the risk of leg injuries. In addition, the spoiler's lower edge has been reinforced and moved forward, almost on a level with the bumper. The aim is that the area of contact on a pedestrian's or cyclist's leg should be distributed across a larger area, thus helping reduce the risk of injury still further.

The bonnet is raised and its underside has a honeycomb structure which similarly spreads the load in the event of an impact, thus helping to absorb the energy and reduce the risk of personal injury.

Other protective safety solutions

*Collapsing steering column which upon deformation moves horizontally for the best possible interaction with the airbag
*Pedals with a function that limits the risk of penetration into the passenger compartment
*Airbags with two-stage function
*Seat belt pre-tensioners for all five seats
*Seat belt reminders for all five seats
*Force limiters for the front seat belts
*Reinforced, transversely fitted tubular beam between the A-posts
*Strong SIPS tubes in the seats and a sturdy magnesium bracket in the middle of the car
*Diagonally fitted beams of Ultra High Strength Steel in the doors

2. Advanced drive systems contribute to increased safety margins

*Collision warning with brake support and emergency brake lights
*Adaptive cruise control
*Advanced information systems contribute to better driver control
*Active Bi-Xenon Lights - swivelling headlamp beams
*Advanced, interacting braking functions
*Personal Car Communicator with heartbeat sensor provides enhanced security
*Laminated glass all round and automatically locked storage unit in the luggage compartment

"The best way to protect the car's occupants is to avoid accidents," says Ingrid Skogsmo. "That's why we've developed a number of advanced driving and support systems that interact intelligently to assist the driver in difficult situations, yet without taking over the driving itself or taking over responsibility for safe progress. The task is to assist the driver to take the right decisions, by alerting him or her and in various ways indicating how best to get out of the situation."

Collision warning with brake support and emergency brake lights
Rear-end collisions are a common type of accident. In many of these cases, the reason is that the driver is distracted and fails to respond in time.

Against this background, Volvo Cars has developed a system known as Collision Warning with Brake Support. It is an advanced system with auxiliary functions that aim to avoid rear-end impacts or to minimise their consequences should they nevertheless occur.

The area in front of the car is continuously monitored with the help of a radar sensor. The system is activated in a variety of ways at different stages of the sequence:
If the car approaches another vehicle from the rear and the driver does not react, a red warning lamp flashes in the windscreen. At the same time, a warning buzzer sounds. In certain situations this is enough for the driver to respond and take action to avoid the danger.

If the risk of a collision increases despite the warning, the brake support system is activated. In order to shorten the reaction time, the brakes are prepared for action by automatic application of the pads against the discs. In addition, brake pressure is amplified hydraulically, which results in good braking effect even if the driver does not press particularly hard on the brake pedal.

"If the road speed is not too high, brake support helps reduce the consequences of a collision," says Ingrid Skogsmo. "However, it is always the driver's reactions that are crucial to the outcome."

The application of firm braking is signalled to traffic behind the car by the brake lights first flashing (valid for Europe - fixed light for US markets). Once speed drops to below 30 km/h, the hazard warning flashers are also activated.

In order to adapt the warning system to different conditions and individual driving styles, the system's sensitivity can be adjusted in the car's setup menu. There is a choice of three settings.

Adaptive cruise control
In order to help the driver stay a safe distance behind the vehicle in front, Volvo Cars has developed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). This system should primarily be regarded as a comfort function but it does also contribute to more controlled progress if the rhythm of traffic is uneven. The technology is also used as a basis for several of Volvo's advanced driving and support systems.

Using a radar sensor, the adaptive cruise control continually monitors the gap to the vehicles in front and automatically adjusts the car's speed to ensure that this gap does not shrink too much.

The driver activates the cruise control by setting a desired speed between 30 and 200 km/h and then selecting the minimum time gap to the vehicles in front. There are five different time gaps to choose between.

Advanced information systems contribute to better driver control
The all-new Volvo XC70 is also equipped with BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) and IDIS (Intelligent Driver Information System), two systems that can help the driver maintain better control over the driving situation.
Using cameras integrated into the door mirrors, BLIS registers whether another vehicle is in the blind spot offset to the rear of the car. If there is a vehicle there, a lamp lights up at the relevant mirror to alert the driver and increase his or her chance of making the appropriate decision.

IDIS is an electronic information system that helps prevent the driver from becoming distracted by irrelevant information in busy situations. By continuously monitoring certain functions in the car such as steering wheel movements, the movement of the accelerator pedal, turn indicator usage and brake application, IDIS can assess the complexity of the current situation. The information is processed and at a certain level of complexity, any information that is not essential to safety is delayed, for instance incoming phone calls or SMS text messages.

Active Bi-Xenon Lights - swivelling headlamp beams
In order to contribute to the best possible visibility during night-time driving on curving and twisting roads, the all-new Volvo XC70 can be equipped with Active Bi-Xenon Lights - swivelling headlamps that follow the sweeps and bends of the road. A mini-processor is used to calculate and analyse a number of parameters and optimise the light beam to suit the situation. The headlamps can be swivelled up to 15 degrees in either direction, totalling 30 degrees, and can thus light up a longer stretch of road as it twists and turns. In order to save wear and tear on the system, it is automatically deactivated in daylight conditions.

In order to lower the risk of dazzling oncoming traffic, the headlamps' height is adjusted depending on how heavily the car is loaded and also on whether the car is accelerating or braking.

The headlamps are cleaned using an electromagnetic high-pressure system that washes one headlamp at a time so as to always provide the best possible illumination under all conditions.

Advanced, interacting braking functions
The all-new Volvo XC70 has a highly advanced braking system with a number of functions that interact to ensure the shortest possible braking distance under all circumstances.

HYDRAULIC BRAKE ASSIST (HBA) is a new generation of Volvo's emergency braking support system. It helps the driver to brake in the shortest possible distance in a panic situation. Unlike the previous system which was only based on vacuum, here brake pressure is also reinforced hydraulically. In an emergency situation where the driver does not press the brake pedal sufficiently quickly and firmly, HBA can help ensure that the ABS system is utilised optimally and the braking distance is reduced.

OPTIMIZED HYDRAULIC BRAKES (OHB) reinforce braking ability under hard braking by utilising hydraulics to compensate for low vacuum pressure in the brake servo.

READY ALERT BRAKES (RAB) can predict rapid braking and apply the brake pads against the discs even before the driver has time to press the brake pedal. The braking system's response time - and the braking distance - can thus be shortened. The triggering signal for the braking system may be that the accelerator pedal is released suddenly or that the adaptive cruise control registers an obstacle in front of the car.

FADING BRAKE SUPPORT (FBS) utilises the hydraulics to gradually build up braking pressure during long hard braking, thus helping cut the risk of brake fade and maintaining pedal feel.

Personal Car Communicator with heartbeat sensor provides enhanced security
In an increasingly insecure world, it is important to have control over what happens in one's immediate vicinity, not least when you park your car. This is a matter both of preventing theft of and from the car and also of avoiding situations that may involve personal risks.

Together with the all-new S80 model, Volvo Cars launched the Personal Car Communicator (PCC), an advanced pocket-sized control centre which is now also available on the all-new Volvo XC70. The Personal Car Communicator provides information which in some circumstances may be crucial to the car owner's security and safety.

The Personal Car Communicator is remarkably like a regular remote control but it can do a lot more than just activate the locks and alarm. A simple push of a button can within a few seconds tell the car owner if ...
... the car is locked or unlocked ...
... if the alarm has been triggered ...
... if the alarm has been triggered and someone is inside the car, which can be registered by a highly sensitive heartbeat sensor and an advanced calculation process.

The information is available and up-to-date as long as the distance between the PCC and the car is about 100 metres or less. In addition, the most recent data is logged so the owner can at any time and any place check whether the car really was locked when it was parked.

Laminated glass all round and automatically locked storage unit in the luggage compartment
In order to make break-ins more difficult, the all-new Volvo XC70 can be specified with laminated glass in all the windows, including the rear side windows and the tailgate. This means that the luggage compartment too gets effective protection.

The rear storage system under the luggage compartment floor has a capacity of no less than 46 litres if the car does not have a spare wheel, and it is now lockable. It is locked automatically and conveniently when the tailgate is closed and locked.

3. Six-cylinder engine for the first time in the Volvo XC70

*Six-cylinder normally aspirated engine with dual cam profiles
*Extremely compact design
*Energy-efficient turbodiesel from second-generation D5 range
*Petrol and diesel engines at the launch of the all-new Volvo XC70

Six-speed Geartronic
"We can now for the first time ever offer a six-cylinder engine in the Volvo XC70," says Tomas Ahlborg, Project Director for the all-new XC70. "It is the extremely compact transverse in-line unit made of aluminium that was launched in conjunction with the all-new Volvo S80. With six cylinders and a displacement of 3.2 litres, the XC70 gets the power and driveability that a true adventurer needs. With this new powerplant, we can give discerning customers an entirely new and longed-for driving experience."

Six-cylinder normally aspirated engine with dual cam profiles
The six-cylinder normally aspirated engine producing 175 kW (238 hp) and 320 Nm offers a high-class driving experience. The engine has an advanced valve mechanism featuring dual cam profiles on the inlet side. With CPS (Cam Profile Switching), as the system is known, the inlet valves can be raised to two different heights depending on engine revs and load.

In normal driving, with normal throttle activation and low engine revs, fuel consumption is minimised at the same time as there is sufficient torque for good driveability.

In sportier driving, under full acceleration and high revs, the engine is immensely alert to the throttle and powerful at both low and high speeds.

"In principle two engines in one," explains Thomas Ahlborg "satisfying both performance-orientated customers and those who prioritise driving comfort and fuel economy."

In addition, the engine features VIS (Variable Intake System). It consists of two throttle valves that adjust the volume of the inlet manifold to suit the current driving conditions and allow the engine's capacity to be exploited to the very maximum throughout the rev range.

Extremely compact design
As in the other Volvo models, the engines in the all-new Volvo XC70 are installed transversely, even the six-cylinder unit. This has been made possible owing to an extremely compact construction.

"A transversely mounted compact engine is the best way to reduce the risk of penetration into the passenger compartment in the event of a frontal collision, since the engine takes up minimal space in the car's longitudinal direction," explains Tomas Ahlborg.

The six-cylinder in-line engine's compact format has been achieved by positioning ancillaries such as the power steering pump and air conditioning compressor behind the engine in the space above the gearbox. There is therefore no drive system for these ancillaries in front of the engine. Instead, drive is provided via gears on the rear of the crankshaft. This solution is called READ - Rear End Ancillary Drive. The alternator is direct-driven and is fitted onto the engine block. These solutions mean the entire package including the engine and gearbox take up the least possible space, above all in the car's longitudinal direction.

By designing the drive system in the form of a small "gearbox" with an intermediary shaft inside the driveshaft - a solution known as Shaft In Shaft - the whole package has been able to be made very short. The two shafts are driven by different gears that give them different speeds (one speed for camshaft drive and one for powering the ancillaries).

Even the vibration damper, which compensates for vibrations in the six-cylinder engine's relatively long crankshaft, has been integrated inside the engine block.

Energy-efficient turbodiesel
As an alternative to the six-cylinder normally aspirated engine, the all-new Volvo XC70 can be specified with Volvo's in-house manufactured second-generation D5 five-cylinder diesel engine. It is a very powerful and easy to drive turbodiesel which is available in two versions. The more powerful variant offers no less than 400 Nm of torque - and it does so across a particularly wide rev range.

Compared with the first generation, the new D5 engine has been further developed and comprehensively refined, featuring a new electronically controlled turbocharger, more advanced multi-point injection technology and a particularly powerful engine management system. The improvements have resulted in an entirely new driving experience with far higher performance and improved driveability. At the same time, emissions are noticeably lower.

A service-free particle filter is standard, making the D5 a highly eco-efficient alternative.
Both the engines feature four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts, promoting alert response and good high-speed properties.

Petrol and diesel engines at the launch of the all-new Volvo XC70
Engine Configuration Output kW/hp Torque Nm
3.2 I6 petrol I6 175/238 320
D5 diesel I5 136/185 400

Six-speed Geartronic
The two engines in the all-new Volvo XC70 are mated to a six-speed gearbox, manual or automatic with Geartronic. They are designed to handle the huge power of these engines. With Geartronic it is also possible to change gear manually.

4. All Wheel Drive and advanced drive systems

*Advanced body structure and stable chassis promote controlled ride and roadholding properties
*Active chassis with Four-C - and three choices
*All Wheel Drive with Instant Traction
*Hill Descent Control regulates speed on steep downhill gradients
*Adjustable power steering
*Power Parking Brake is standard

DSTC is standard
"The all-new Volvo XC70 has been further developed in every respect," says Tomas Ahlborg. "The chassis technology offers high-class driving feel and superb control whatever the situation. With the intelligent All Wheel Drive system and raised ground clearance, we furthermore add in those characteristic XC properties of excellent get-you-there ability and formidable capability. What is more, we are launching Hill Descent Control, which makes it easier to master crawling in low gear on steep downhill gradients."

Advanced body structure and stable chassis promote controlled ride and roadholding properties
Not only the driveline but the whole of the car has been developed and balanced to give a first-class driving experience, based largely on pliant ride and secure roadholding allied to high stability. Stability is in fact particularly important when driving with a heavy load and on poor surfaces.

The body features a highly advanced structure that contributes to both good deformation properties in the event of a collision and high torsional rigidity. Thanks to the design of the body structure and the optimised use of different grades of high-strength steel, the torsional rigidity has been increased by no less than 15 percent compared to the previous XC70 model. Good torsional rigidity is the very basis of the car's excellent ride and roadholding properties.

The chassis technology has been further developed compared with the previous XC70 model to provide even more stable and more controlled road manners. A lot of effort has also gone into features such as the suspension system and engine installation to ensure high-class comfort.

In order to provide the necessary get-you-there ability on difficult surfaces, the XC70 has raised ground clearance. It rides 209 millimetres high.

Active chassis with Four-C - and three choices
The all-new Volvo XC70 can be optionally specified with an active chassis based on Volvo's Four-C technology. It is an advanced self-regulating chassis system that uses a number of sensors to continuously monitor the car's behaviour. The dampers are adjusted to suit the current driving conditions in mere fractions of a second.
Four-C adjusts chassis settings to match the car's speed. The higher the speed, the firmer the damping. This makes the car easy to control even at high speeds. This technology also reduces the car's tendency to squat, dip or yaw under hard acceleration, firm braking and quick steering wheel movements.

"With an active chassis, the car's driving properties improve in all situations," says Tomas Ahlborg. "It becomes both safer and more entertaining to drive."

Three alternative chassis settings at the touch of a button allow the driver to alter the car's driving character to suit his or her personal taste.

*COMFORT provides pleasant, comfortable progress with calm, harmonious body movements.
*SPORT provides more controlled body movements, faster steering response and a higher degree of road contact.
*ADVANCED gives minimum damper movement and maximum contact between tyres and road surface. It's the setting for enthusiastic driving on smooth and flat asphalt.

In a difficult-to-control situation, however, the driver's choice makes no difference at all: Four-C always responds by helping the driver out of the situation by automatically stabilising the car to maintain control.

All Wheel Drive with Instant Traction
The all-new Volvo XC70 is equipped with Volvo's All Wheel Drive. Using an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch, the AWD system distributes drive between the front and rear wheels to ensure the best possible road grip in all situations. The system features Instant Traction, which shifts drive at lightning speed from the front to the rear wheels when starting on a slippery or loose surface.

Hill Descent Control regulates speed on steep downhill gradients
"Some off-road cars have an extra low gear for crawling, but we have chosen a more sophisticated solution that better suits our XC concept," says Tomas Ahlborg. "It's called Hill Descent Control (HDC) and makes it easier to crawl in bottom gear on steep downhill slopes."

Using the car's brakes and engine torque, HDC controls the car's speed and keeps it steady at about 10 km/h. This function is activated via a button in the instrument panel. The driver can easily take command over HDC by pressing the accelerator or brake pedal. Changing gear automatically disengages HDC. All changes take place smoothly and gently.

Thanks to the smooth response when the accelerator is pressed, Hill Descent Control also contributes to comfortable starts when towing a caravan. On a slippery surface, which is sometimes the case in camping grounds, this is extra beneficial.

Hill Descent Control also operates when reversing so it can be of considerable help at the slipway when launching a boat into the water. The system operates with both manual and automatic gearboxes.

Adjustable power steering
Speed-dependent power steering is available as an option. The system delivers more servo assistance at low speeds, for instance to make things easier when crawling slowly on difficult surfaces. Servo assistance is reduced as speed rises, disappearing entirely at higher cruising speeds.

In order to give every driver the most optimum road feedback, servo effect can be adjusted via the car's information and set-up system. Three levels of servo assistance are available.

Power Parking Brake is standard
In order to assist the driver when starting on an uphill gradient, the all-new Volvo XC70 has a smart, electrically operated parking brake system known as Power Parking Brake. This makes things far easier for the driver, especially if the car is fitted with a manual gearbox. If the parking brake is engaged at traffic lights, for instance, it is automatically disengaged when the accelerator is pressed and the car moves off. Please note that the driver's safety belt must be secured for this function to operate.

The parking brake is engaged by pushing a lever to the left of the steering wheel and disengaged by pulling the lever.

To ensure that the parking brake is applied when the car is parked, it is automatically engaged when the key is removed from the ignition switch or, if the car is equipped with Keyless Drive, when the door is opened. This function must be selected initially in the car settings menu.

DSTC is standard
DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) is standard in the all-new Volvo XC70. This is a stability-enhancing system that when necessary reduces engine torque and applies carefully calculated braking power to reduce the risk of a skid.

"By combining systems such as Four-C, AWD and DSTC we can offer a driving experience of extremely high calibre under virtually all operating conditions, even when the car is loaded," says Tomas Ahlborg. "The fact that the driver can also influence the car's character via the alternative chassis settings makes the experience and the feeling of control even more highly appreciated."

5. First-class comfort and versatile function

*Increased legroom
*Ventilated seats
*Clean Zone Interior Package provides enhanced comfort
*Personal comfort settings
*Smart and versatile functionality
*Versatile load compartment floor makes loading easier
*Power-operated tailgate

"By building on the modern S80 base when we designed the all-new XC70 model, we have been able to improve both comfort and the scope for utilizing the vehicle in an intelligent way," says Tomas Ahlborg. "More interior space and more versatile functions make the all-new Volvo XC70 a truly capable companion for adventurers and everyday motorists alike."

Increased legroom
The all-new Volvo XC70 is both more spacious and more comfortable than its predecessor. The distance from front to rear passengers has been extended by 21 millimetres, rear legroom by 48 millimetres and rear knee clearance by 21 millimetres. Large drivers and passengers will be happy to note that width at shoulder height has been increased by 30 millimetres in the front seats.

Ventilated seats
Volvo's front seats are regarded by many as the very best on the market. They are designed to offer the best possible support and comfort, even on long trips. Power-adjustable seats are available as an option, and they can be equipped with perforated and ventilated leather upholstery. These seats are equipped with fans in the seat and backrest cushions. The temperature in the cushions is swiftly lowered to a pleasant level and contributes to superb seating comfort, especially on hot days and in humid climates.

The opposite effect - heating of the front seats when the weather turns chilly - can be selected at a choice of three temperature settings. The rear seat too can be specified with heating, which includes separate switches for each of the two outer seats and, as in the front seats, three temperature settings.

Clean Zone Interior Package provides enhanced comfort
In order to give particularly sensitive passengers a better interior in-car climate, the all-new Volvo XC70 can be equipped with the Clean Zone Interior Package, a system that is based on ECC (Electronic Climate Control) and IAQS (Interior Air Quality System).

When the car is unlocked using the remote control, the passenger compartment is automatically ventilated for about a minute if the outdoor temperature is higher than 10 degrees Celsius. Clean Zone Interior Package creates a passenger environment that has been approved by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.
The interior trim materials and fittings have been selected to emit minimum levels of harmful substances.

Personal comfort settings
The XC70 driver has a wide range of scope for adjusting the car's comfort functions to suit his or her personal needs and wishes. These settings are altered in the car's information system. The menu includes the seats, rear-view mirrors, climate unit, audio unit, navigation system and to a certain extent the car's driving properties. One of the selectable functions is automatic operation of the rear defroster. When this setting is chosen, the defroster is automatically activated when outside temperature is about 9 degrees C. Another example is the speed-dependent power steering. It is an option and can be set at one of three levels via the information system.
"Being able to alter settings oneself gives added comfort," says Tomas Ahlborg. "However, from the safety viewpoint it is important that we do not spend too much time on the menu system while driving. In order to prevent the driver from losing concentration on the road while driving, certain functions are therefore blocked in the menu after about 20 seconds."

Smart and versatile functionality
"The all-new Volvo XC70 is synonymous with versatility and enhanced capability," says Tomas Ahlborg. "Plenty of space, a three-part rear seat and a number of intelligent functions make loading and travel a real pleasure, both with and without luggage."

The rear seat splits 40/20/40, with two very comfortable seats and a convenient armrest in between. The centre backrest can be folded to make space for long cargo items or raised to provide an additional seat. The backrests can be folded separately to create a larger load compartment with an entirely flat floor. With the foldable backrest in the front passenger seat, the combination possibilities are even greater.

The luggage compartment floor is equipped with aluminium rails and movable anchorage points to secure the load. The anchorage points can be tucked down into the rails when they are not in use so they are entirely out of the way. The side panels also have built-in load anchorage eyelets to keep luggage securely in place. What is more, they can be supplemented with multifunctional rails for a variety of hooks, load-anchoring nets, cargo space dividers and other load-related accessories.

In order to protect the luggage compartment floor there is a wide range of mats, including one that can be folded double for normal use or opened out across the entire luggage compartment floor when the rear backrests are folded down.

Versatile load compartment floor makes loading easier
An extra sliding load floor is available as an accessory. It is fastened simply and quickly in the floor rails and slides out easily over the bumper to permit convenient loading. It is automatically locked into place when the handle is released. When it is not in use, the floor can easily be removed from the car altogether.
The sliding floor and complete load system fulfil Volvo's extremely high demands for safety.

Power-operated tailgate
Loading is can be made even more convenient by the fact that choosing the optional power-operated tailgate is power-operated. It is opened by pressing a button on the remote control, and the rest is handled by the car's hydraulics. Handy when your own hands are full. In order to reduce the risk of accidentally squashing one's hands or fingers, it is closed from the panel on the tailgate itself. What is more, there is a dual-stage safety function integrated into the tailgate, involving a pinch protection moulding on each side and an emergency stop, which means that the hydraulic system is equipped with a force sensor, stopping immediately if it senses an obstruction during operation. A wide range of accessories featuring holders for such equipment as bikes, kayaks, skis and snowboards is available for cars with or without rails. Bikes can also be transported inside the car, secured to the floor rails using a special holder.

6. World class audio system

*Digital technology contributes to natural sound profile
*Automatic volume and tone adjustment
*Three performance levels
*Dolby Pro Logic II Surround with adjustable sound pattern
*World-famous loudspeakers from Dynaudio of Denmark
*Optional subwoofer provides richer bass tones
*Plays MP3 format
*Integrated DVD system in the rear seat
*The latest-generation RTI

"Volvo's audio systems are among the very best in the automotive world today," says Tomas Ahlborg. "And obviously only the best is good enough in a car of the calibre of the all-new Volvo XC70. In cooperation with the foremost audio manufacturers in the world, we have developed a first-class sound system with a digital amplifier from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround and excellent loudspeakers from Danish experts Dynaudio. The result is an audio experience of absolute world class."

Digital technology contributes to natural sound profile
The very latest in digital technology has been used to control and adjust sound reproduction to suit the shape of the passenger compartment and the positioning of the loudspeakers. Using DSP - Digital Signal Processing - the tone curve has been fine-tuned so it contributes to natural audio quality.

Digital technology is also used in Volvo's modern amplifier, developed in cooperation with Alpine. A digital class D amplifier has extremely low current consumption thanks to its high efficiency rating. This чalso means that it produces less heat than an analogue amplifier and that it can be made more compact.

Volvo's amplifier also has a particularly high damping factor thanks to ICEPower® technology from Denmark's Bang & Olufsen PowerHouse a/s. This technology contributes to crystal-clear yet powerful sound all the way down to the deepest bass tones.

Automatic volume and tone adjustment
Owing to the use of digital technology, the sound can be adjusted to match the driving situation. Not only volume but tone too is adjusted automatically in response to the car's speed. Furthermore, there is scope for individual preferences. In the car's menu system with its personal settings the driver can choose by how much the sound should be adjusted in relation to the car's speed. There are three levels to choose between: low, medium and high.

Three performance levels
For the all-new Volvo XC70 there are three levels of sound system to choose between:

*Performance - with a 4x20 W amplifier and six loudspeakers
*High Performance - with a 4x40 W amplifier and eight loudspeakers
*Premium Sound - with a digital 5x130 W amplifier, Dolby® Pro Logic II Surround and twelve Dynaudio loudspeakers. The system can also be supplemented with a subwoofer under the luggage compartment floor. It features an integrated digital 2 x 130 W amplifier.

Dolby Pro Logic II Surround with adjustable sound pattern
Volvo was the first car-maker in the world to factory-fit an audio system with Dolby® Pro Logic Surround sound. The technology was developed to provide authentic multi-channel sound perception and it was introduced in 1997 in the very first Volvo C70 generation.

The system offered on the all-new Volvo XC70 is the latest surround-sound generation, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround. It is a 5.1-channel system that provides a broad audio profile in the front seats and authentic stereo effect and full bandwidth in the rear seat. What is more, sound from the front and rear loudspeakers is blended into a natural entity.

In order to further contribute to the best possible individual audio experience, the Premium Sound unit has a special setup facility. The audio profile can be optimised in three different ways - for the best possible clarity from the driver's seat, from both front seats or from the rear seat. The selection is made via the car's information system.
"A person riding alone in the car can set up the audio profile with unashamed selfishness!" says Tomas Ahlborg. "And if the car owner is riding in the back seat, it's equally easy to prioritise the audio experience there."

World-famous loudspeakers from Dynaudio of Denmark
The loudspeakers in the Volvo XC70 are of consistent high quality. The Premium Sound level features loudspeakers from Danish specialists Dynaudio®, a company with which Volvo has had long in-depth technical cooperation.

There are large three-way loudspeakers integrated into the front doors. The rear doors feature two-way loudspeakers with a tweeter and a mid/woofer. The tweeter diaphragm is made of textile (known as a silk dome tweeter), a Dynaudio speciality that helps create more crystal-clear sound. Each loudspeaker has a passive crossover filter to provide a harmonious total sound experience with the best possible bandwidth and dynamics.
Specially developed centre loudspeakers in the instrument panel interact with the door-mounted loudspeakers to create a natural, homogeneous sound.

Optional subwoofer provides richer bass tones
To achieve even deeper, richer bass tones, the Premium Sound and High Performance systems can be complemented with a twelve-litre, dual-chamber subwoofer under the luggage floor, close to the rear seat backrest. The subwoofer, which is developed by Alpine, includes two 6.5" bass elements and an integrated digital 2x130 W amplifier. This subwoofer is able to provide very high-quality bass performance.

Plays MP3 format
With the High Performance and Premium Sound systems, it is now possible to play CDs with music in MP3 or WMA format. This means that the CD changer can store several hundred tracks and give the owner access to large sections of his or her personal musical library in the car.

In addition, all the audio units are now equipped with an extra input (AUX) for connecting additional equipment such as a portable MP3 player.

In order to boost radio listening quality, the FM radio has no less than three aerials to ensure the best possible reception in a system known as scanning diversity.

Integrated DVD system in the rear seat
It is possible to equip the car with a highly advanced entertainment system designed for passengers in the back seat, known as Rear Seat Entertainment or RSE. An integrated DVD player, seven-inch flat-screen monitors built into the front seat headrests, wireless headphones and remote control are all included in the system. An extra socket makes it possible to connect an additional DVD player, TV game or video camera. The two screens can be used independently of one another.

The latest-generation RTI
Volvo's RTI (Road and Traffic Information) navigation system is highly efficient. The range of maps has recently been extended, with several new countries added, particularly in Eastern Europe. There are now three DVD discs for Europe and three for the USA, where Hawaii and Canada have been added. The material has also been updated with the latest roads, restaurants and hotels.

The system has been further developed with a new processor, which among other things allows alternative routes to be calculated far faster than before. In addition, new information such as the national flag and facts about the country, speed limits and rules governing the use of mobile phones while driving is shown on the screen when a national border is passed.

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